Randy Jackson Blogs Save The Children

Save the Children's Mark Shriver and American Idol judge Randy Jackson have blogged in the Huffington Post about Save the Children’s work with needy kids in the US.

“Save the Children operates early childhood education programs, school-based literacy and health programs, and emergency preparedness, response, and recovery programs through public- private partnerships in 18 states,” they wrote. "Last year, these programs reached more than 147,000 of the most vulnerable kids in the country. We believe that education will break the cycle of poverty in places where it has existed for generations.

“We work with governors and legislators on both sides of the aisle, as well as corporations and foundations to support our programs. In fact, Idol Gives Back, which has raised $185 million over the past five years for almost a dozen organizations, is one of the largest investors in Save the Children’s work here in the U.S.

“We consistently achieve excellent results, including more than doubling the number of kids reading at or above grade level. Most important, we’re making a genuine difference in the lives of real kids in real communities.

“We know Save the Children is an important part of the solution, as are our partner organizations and political leaders, from state elected officials to President Obama, who recently proposed meaningful new investments in early childhood education. The most powerful advocates, though, are the American people. It is up to each of us to raise awareness of the fact that almost 25 percent of our children live in poverty and each of us must hold our leaders accountable to ensuring a fair start for every kid in America.

“If we’re successful, we won’t just have brighter and richer springtimes for every kid and family, but it will be a new springtime for America as well.”

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